Santa Clara University

David Folkman - Former CEO of The Emporium & Esprit U.S., Former General Partner U.S. Venture Partners

David Folkman's retail career centered on merchandising in fashion apparel, accessories, and home furnishings.  He held managerial positions with Federated Department Stores, May Company,  R. H. Macy, where he was senior vice president and general merchandise manager for Macy's West, and Carter Hawley Hale Stores, where he was president and CEO of The Emporium's 22-store department store chain based in San Francisco. 

David was a general partner with U.S. Venture Partners, investing in retail start-ups, and president and CEO of Esprit U.S., based in San Francisco.  David consults with retail and wholesale clients in both the profit not-for-profit sectors.

He holds an A.B. degree from Harvard College and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.